Both expensive watches for what you get, but nice nonetheless. Now at the risk of sounding like a prat, one’s a basic type A fleiger with date and the other is a chronograph. Do you want a chronograph? It’s a yes/no answer. Job done.

 

The Mark XX seems more versatile (as a dress up or dress down watch) whereas the Pilot Chronograph is more sporty.

That to me is the most important point to consider. The Mark XX is a watch that, if you like it, will put you in danger of never taking it off. Its bracelet is, if not the best, certainly one of the very best. The Pilot Chrono is less versatile, but has a lot of swagger. It's up to you.

 

I am seriously considering the purchase of the Mark XX in sunburst blue or the IWC Pilot Chronograph 41 in blue this week.

As with all choices there are pros and cons. The Mark XX saves quite a bit of money, but the Pilot Chronograph 41 is more interesting to look at with the sub-dials. On the other hand, I understand the Mark XX has a 5 day power reserve whereas the Pilot Chronograph only has 46 hours (not that it isn't enough). The Mark XX seems more versatile (as a dress up or dress down watch) whereas the Pilot Chronograph is more sporty.

Can others help give me perspectives that maybe I haven't considered? They are both fantastic looking watches; and I know I would be happy with either. I just hate pulling the trigger though until I have reconciled my thoughts about both of them. My wrist size is 7.5 inches so I could easily wear either one of them. My current collection includes an Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”, an Omega Seamaster 300m (white dial), and a Tudor BB58 (Blue). Thanks for any thoughts/perspectives.

In the first paragraph, things are pretty much still undecided, each watch has its pros and cons although I would say that Mark has a sizable lead on history, versatility and price (although, if you command that kind of money, it's arguably better to get the pricier watch just because you can, depending on what you think).

The pilot is just a more complex watch with a chrono, and some people like the complication.

After reading the second and last paragraph however, I struggle to understand why you even need to raise this question. Mark wins by way more than a mile.

So you meant to tell me, you own an Omega hardcore chrono, an Omega diver and a Tudor diver, and you are deciding between another chrono vs something that lets your collection reach into dressy spectrum and with unique history? With the pilot, you gain a chrono, something you already have, and you lose flieger history + remains at 0% dress representation.

Perhaps you really love chronos, I don't know. In my humble opinion and from the standpoint of diversity, Mark wins pretty hard in this one.

 

I currently own both (in blue) and a couple observations
1. I strongly prefer the bracelet on both. Very comfortable and adjustable during the day.
2. The XX occupies a more versatile spot on my rotation (both work and dressier weekend given it lives on bracelet) whereas I tend to wear the 41 more on weekends
3. The XX wears surprisingly thin, which works great in a work setting/slips under dress shirt cuffs
4. The blue on both is amazing but the 41 has slight edge
5. The 120 reserve on the XX is so helpful for a workweek oriented watch. Good to go on a mon/tue after weekend mixing it up

In sum, XX seems the more practical and versatile choice. The 41 is more of a “I love having this in my collection” piece but less wrist time piece. I concur w HarrisLam that XX seems to fit much better into your collection.
Hope this helps.

 

I own both. If I had to say goodbye to one of them it would probably be the XX for the simple fact it's so plain. I know thats the point of the MK range and thats the reason I purchased it. I can wear it anywhere without anyone spotting it like they would a Rolex. The chrono is a stunner and probably one of the nicest chronos out there.

For me, the XX could be replaced with a similar field/pilot watch from a number of brands. The Longines Spirit range would be a good contender. It would be harder for me to find a pilot chrono subsitute though. Its a thing of beauty.

As much as I love it, I cant help feeling the XX is overpriced. Im fully aware that any luxury watch can be regarded as overpriced but it's priced around the Omega seamaster lineup. For the price of an XX on leather youre getting a METAs chronometer on a bracelet with ceramic dial and bezel. Appreciate their different watches but I just dont see £5000 of watch in the XX. It's not very accurate and the lume is terrible. It's a bloody cool watch though. A friend of mine who isnt into watches at all took a look at it and asked "how did they manage to make this thing look so good, its a boring black watch on a leather strap". I cant answer his question but hes right. IWC nailed it will the XX. They just need to work on their accuracy

 

Just wanted to chime in briefly and say props to your respondents above, because those are some seriously thoughtful and well-considered replies.

It's the XX for me, simply because as much as I like the 41, I think some other brands do it just as well or even a bit better, whereas if you want an IWC-style pilot flieger, IWC still does it best -- and I say that as someone who has now owned over 23 fliegers from pretty much every conceivable brand, for my sins.

The XX isn't my favourite IWC pilot, but it may be the most refined, and it's a fit n' forget solution with a movement that will run and run, accurately and with excellent immunity to magnetization, if my Spitfire auto is any guide. The casework is subtle but beautifully done, the dial and handset finely-made, and few marques do blue or green like IWC.

I think the 41 is a terrific watch, but ended up moving to a Sinn because it seemed closer to the original pilot chronograph I'd envisioned while being a sounder value overall. You already own arguably the most iconic chrono ever made with the Speedy, and the XX is a highly versatile, extremely wearable watch that is still interesting enough to provide pleasure at a glance.

In terms of VFM, no luxury watch offers that really, except relative to the market and ownership experience. IIRC my Spitfire auto was around 800.00 less than a Railmaster when I was looking, and just over 1200.00 more than the BB36. All three are deceptively simple watches, 2 of those 3 have modern movements that provide strong technicals and all are accurate. The Spitfire's more elegant dial and handset and sharp lines made the difference to me in VFM -- someone else might have chosen differently. And the lume is minimal but mine is clearly readable all night long.

You money your call. But sometimes simpler is better.

 

You money your call. But sometimes simpler is better.

Good advice.

 

Thank you guys for all your great advice! That Chrono 41 is such an interesting and beautiful chrono watch, whereas the Mark XX is plain but iconic and go anywhere, do anything watch. So I am leaning towards the Mark XX and going to look at them later today. I will post back later.

 

Well, after additional consideration seeing both of these watches in person today, I decided to go with the IWC 41 Pilot's Chronograph. Of course, I already have the Speedy as a Chrono watch. But at the same time, I kept looking at my BB58 Blue that I wore into the store today. And even though it's a diver and the Mark XX Blue is a Pilot's watch....they are both rather plain and similar in a way.

Plus, the AD offered me a nice discount on the Chrono 41, so that really helped me reconcile things in my mind when comparing the two IWC watches today. I will probably go with something in the future that can fill the void of a more dress type watch (i.e. perhaps the Longines Spirit or a Rolex Black OP 41, if I can ever source one of those).

I am loving my new IWC Chrono 41 Blue. It's a beauty! Thanks for all the feedback here. It is very much appreciated.

 

And even though it's a diver and the Mark XX Blue is a Pilot's watch

Nice watch.

Small correction (unless you are a Pilot then, of course it's both), but it's not a Pilot's watch, it's a Pilot watch. I fly bug smashers, and my diver is indeed a pilot's watch.

 

Congrats! Looks really good on you!

 

Thanks! Personally, I think it's the best looking chrono I've seen.

 

Good choice. The pilot chronos are pretty special. I went with the green dial. Apologies for the crap photo. I was trying to capture the dial colour in neutral light.

 

Is that some kind of oil below the "Swiss"? 😅

 

Get the Mark XX

Edit:
Nevermind [emoji1787] just saw i am too late. Any choice is good though.

 

Beautiful choice.. What was the rough % discount you were able to get?

 

The regular retail price of the IWC Pilot Chrono 41 is $8500 PLUS sales tax. So, by the time you throw in the sales tax (at the regular retail price), that makes the price start pushing closer to $9000. At any rate, I got it for $7800 with all taxes included. Not necessarily a huge discount, but it was enough to tip things in favor of the Pilot Chrono at the time I made the decision.

I've been really happy with the Pilot Chrono 41; and I do think it's one of the best chronographs out there. That being said, I still really like the Mark XX and would love to have it one day.

 

I thought I would update this thread. I went ahead and bought the Mark XX since I've got a feeling IWC might be raising their prices this summer. So in the end, I chose both! I've now got the Pilot Chronograph 41 (blue) (posted previously) and the Mark XX (green) below.

 

I thought I would update this thread. I went ahead and bought the Mark XX since I've got a feeling IWC might be raising their prices this summer. So in the end, I chose both! I've now got the Pilot Chronograph 41 (blue) (posted previously) and the Mark XX (green) below.
View attachment 17535655

Gorgeous pic. of that green dial. Help me here. When I see it in the store, it looks so blingy -- but in your photo not so much. More toned done and flat. How are you enjoying it? And how do you think it would work as part of a two piece collection with an Exp. 1?

 

Ahh, both. Always an excellent choice! Cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

It was a bit of a stretch buying the Mark XX so soon after my Pilot Chrono 41! But I love the watch and wanted to get it before there's a price increase.

Comparing the two, the Mark XX is certainly more versatile as a dress up or dress down watch due to the plain dial and smaller proportions. On the other hand, the Pilot Chronograph 41 is more visually interesting - simply because it has the sub dials. Either way, they are both great watches in their own way!

Just my observations about the colors, I would call the blue (whether it's on the Mark XX or Chrono 41) more like a mid-blue whereas the green is what I describe as a Forest green (or deep green color). The green appears to play with light more - sometimes appearing almost like a matt black in certain light situations. Naturally, since I already had the blue with my Chrono 41, I chose the green for the Mark XX.

 

assuming you have a big enough wrist, I would lean towards the chronograph, its so classy looking

 

I keep reading nice things about the new bracelet, but everytime I see a pic I find it awful.. Anyone else with the same feelling?

 

It truly is one of the best bracelets in the watch business. It's very comfortable to wear, has an on-the-fly quick adjust with a smaller clasp, and the so called EASX-Change system which lets you swap out the bracelet for a leather or rubber strap in seconds! This gives the watch a different look in no time. I sometimes wear mine on a strap; but my preference is the bracelet.

If you are referring to the design/style of the bracelet that you don't care for, all I can say is that is a matter of personal preference. The IWC Pilot watch uses more of what I think about when I see a Jubilee style bracelet (i.e. some Rolex models), while not entirely being that design either. But it's a classy, very well-made watch.

 

Congratulations to the OP on the new watch.
I own both the MarK XX and the Pilot Chronograph 41.
purchased the Mark in Blue from an AD on bracelet with a leather strap thrown in.
It is amazing.

Like the OP, I was conflicted about the Chronograph 41, but traded a watch for a BNIB Black dial on leather. It is amazing and these two IWC watches are going to both be getting a tremendous amount of wrist time.
The blue is gorgeous, and the black 41 “fits” perfectly for a Pilots watch.

To add a comment, a recent trip to the IWC boutique in LA had me longing for other offerings by this manufacturer. While I am not really a fan of green dials, I will say that for those that are, the IWC green is stunning. Truly eye catching.

 

Did you even consider the silver/white dial Mark XX? Seems to be largely overlooked.

 

When I bought my green dial Mark XX last year, it was right before IWC released their white/silver dial. So it wasn't a choice at the time. But it wouldn't have changed anything. That green dial really struck me because it's so different versus any other green dial out there.

As far as any bling factor, I don't really see it. At certain angles in the light, the center links on the bracelet can look shiny. But for the most part (just like in my photo), the center links blend in with the rest of the bracelet. The same can be said for the green dial itself. Depending on how the light hits it, the dial can almost look black at times. But then when the light plays with the sunburst dial, the green can pop.

All around, I am still very happy with the Mark XX. And at 40mm, the watch size can fit many people. As for pairing it with an Explorer 1, they are similar to the extent that they are both plain no-nonsense watches. But I think they're still different enough to be in a rotation. I wouldn't mind having an Exp. 1 sometime in the future (fantastic watch), but I won't pay grey market prices for it.

 

I would go with mark as first, of course color green.

 

I tried both. If you like one or the other it’s personal taste. The chronograph looks more beautiful and premium, however for long term use, unless you have a big wrist, the mark will be much more comfortable. It also looks a bit cooler imho, and more versatile.

 

I agree, the Chronograph looks more premium and certainly more interesting from a visual standpoint. However, as you say, the Mark XX is more versatile. I like them both for different reasons.

 

OP, you did what a WIS is supposed to do, and got both. Good job!

I, myself, have been resisting the temptation of getting a Pilot Chrono to join my Mark XVI for the past decade (I was very close from getting a 3777 back then but found it too big for me). These days, the one that catches my eyes most is the Spitfire Chrono.

 

Well, when I first got the Pilot Chrono 41 last year, I really did not plan on getting the Mark XX so soon after (also last year). But I saw that green dial and couldn't resist! They pair nicely with each other. I like them both equally, but the Mark XX gets more wrist time simply because it's a more versatile piece.

 

My first IWC was a mark xx green on bracelet.
Possibly the perfect one and done watch.

My second is a Portugueser white.
Love it also.

As a matter of fact I’m wearing my Portugueser right now

congrats on your purchases